Comment:
All model of the 1-26 make it the most numerous
sailplane type in the U.S. today. The 1-26 has,
since its first flight in 1954, become the most
popular one-design sailplane in the world.
Nurtured by the 1-26 Association, an affiliate
of the Soaring Society of America, the design
provides a significant percentage of the soaring
done in America. The 1-26 once held the National
Feminine Distance and Goal records at 439.8 km./
273.28 miles and 153.1 km./ 96.5 miles set by
Rose Marie Licher and Jean Arnold, respectively.
A significant number of pilots have earned all
three Diamond badges in 1-26ﾒs. The original
(ﾑstandardﾒ) model was factory completed (22
built); the A was a standard kit (114built); the
B was factory completed with all-metal covered
wings increasing both empty and gross weight by
11 kg./ 25 lb. And the C was the kit version of
the B. The 1-26D, introduced in 1968, offered a
new low-profile fuselage featuring a monocoque
metal nose and new one-piece canopy for better
visibility, plus air-balanced double dive
brakes, a new cockpit interior and an increased
allowable load. A significant number of 1-26ﾒs
were sold outside the U.S. notably in Canada and
Indonesia. The original Standard 1-26, serial
001, was donated to the National Soaring Museum.
Specifications are for the 1-26A. ATC